Snowshoes not just for blizzards

By Stephen Hlawaty
Outdoors Columnist

My high school baseball coach used to say, "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect." He'd repeat this--day in, day out--like a mantra to his players.

The point he was making, I think, is that by taking an opportunity and participating in it to its fullest, we can more perfectly prepare ourselves for The Big Game. For my family, that Big Game began March 17, 2003, and continued through the week. My wife, Amanda; our 3-month-old son, Ethan; and myself had been shut in our Livermore home for several days by over 5 feet of snow. During our unsolicited lockdown, I had ample time to reflect on a variety of things: Spaghetti again? Spaghetti again? Spaghetti again?

I also recalled my coach and his pearls of wisdom. My wife and I managed to free ourselves of our shut-in status and plod through 10-foot-high snowdrifts with the aid of our snowshoes. Having taken up snowshoeing several years before the Blizzard of 2003, we were well rehearsed in their use, not only as recreational equipment, but now as survival gear.

People of central Asia may have been the first to use snowshoes, as they crossed the land bridge between Asia and North America over 13,000 years ago. Mongolians snowshoed across the Bering Strait into North America over 6,000 years ago. Native Americans designed their snowshoes after the animals they trapped. The Huron design (beaver tail) looks like a tennis racket and allows the user to lift only the toe clear of the snow. Dragging behind, the tail supports the snowshoe's weight and acts as a rudder. These perform best in open terrain but are cumbersome in densely wooded areas. The Montagnais design (bear claw) is oval in shape and requires the user to lift more of the snowshoe's weight. Montagnais are much more maneuverable in tighter areas but are not as efficient.

Modern snowshoes come in a wide variety of designs. High-tech, aircraft aluminum, molded plastic and hypalon decking (borrowed from the rafting industry) meet the many needs and uses of today's snowshoer. There are ultra-lightweight snowshoes for snow running and crampon-compatible snowshoes for glacier climbing. Tapered frames accommodate a woman's stride, while expandable frames offer increased flotation in deeper snow.

Contrary to popular belief, snowshoes do not simply "float" on top of the snow. Based on a person's weight, snow consistency and snowshoe design, snowshoes do sink into the snow. As a result, the snowshoe's larger surface area also carries more snow on top of it as you step forward, which makes for a tiring workout. Thus, snowshoeing demands that you stay in good shape and practice proper technique.

Before going on your first outing, acquaint yourself with your snowshoes, particularly their bindings, in the warmth and security of your home before tackling any snow-covered mountain. Those of you who put chains on your vehicle for the first time during a snowstorm, at night, lying on your back, on the side of the road will appreciate this helpful hint. Make sure all screws and straps are tight and functioning properly.

Dress in layers. Pack plenty of food and water. Snowshoeing with ski poles adds stability and helps maintain a rhythm in your stride. Wear sturdy and waterproof boots, as well as hat and gloves. Some important, but easily overlooked items to bring with you include compass, map, first-aid kit and sunglasses or goggles.

By practicing proper technique and carrying the essentials, you're not only saving yourself from fatigue and mishaps, you're also preparing yourself for safe and efficient transport during the occasional blizzard. Living in Colorado demands a certain degree of awareness and respect for its changing weather patterns. Learning to snowshoe and having a pair for every member of a household is a wise choice for anyone fancying him or herself a home in the mountains of Colorado.

Thanks coach.